ALGERIA: Accession to the Apostille Convention Simplifies Use of Foreign Documents

Algeria officially implemented the Apostille system on July 9, 2026, following its accession to the Hague
Convention Abolishing the Requirement of Legalisation for Foreign Public Documents (the Apostille
Convention) on November 5, 2025.

The development is expected to significantly simplify the authentication of foreign public documents intended
for use before Algerian authorities by replacing the traditional multi-step legalization process with a single
Apostille certificate issued in the document’s country of origin.

Prior to the Convention’s entry into force, foreign documents generally required a lengthy legalization process
involving multiple governmental authorities, including ministries and diplomatic or consular missions. Now that
the Apostille Convention is effective in Algeria, public documents originating from other Contracting States
may be recognized upon presentation of a valid Apostille certificate, eliminating the need for further
legalization.

The change is expected to have practical implications for trademark owners, businesses, and legal
practitioners involved in cross-border transactions and intellectual property matters. Various documents
commonly used in trademark prosecution and enforcement proceedings, such as powers of attorney,
corporate certificates, extracts from commercial registers, and other official records, may be processed more
efficiently when submitted before Algerian authorities, provided they originate from a Contracting State.

Beyond its procedural impact, Algeria’s implementation of the Apostille Convention constitutes a major
development for cross-border legal practice in North Africa, reducing administrative barriers and facilitating
the movement of official documents across jurisdictions.

Written by : Our Legal Consultant : Ms. Ayah Adam